Assets seized in big 'bath salts' bust

More than $1 million of assets have been seized from four people who allegedly imported and supplied several kilograms of a class C drug.

Three men and one woman aged between 24 and 26 were arrested by Wellington police after a joint operation with customs discovered kilograms of the drug Alpha PVP being imported and sold.

"Operation Gemini" began in November after customs intercepted multiple imports of Alpha PVP in excess of three kilograms sent from China.

Alpha PVP is a stimulant drug that produces many of the same psychoactive effects as methamphetamine and ecstasy. In New Zealand, it is commonly referred to as "niff" or "bath salts".

It is usually sold in capsule form for around $40 and is snorted.

In March this year, search warrants were executed at several addresses around Wellington resulting in police seizing assets with an estimated value of more than $1 million.

The assets included two residential properties, three motor vehicles, a Harley Davidson motorbike, two boats, a jet ski, three trailers, the contents of a bank account and $107,000 in bonus bonds.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Murray said Alpha PVP was an emerging drug threat.

"Alpha PVP is known to cause significant harm within communities and there are several examples internationally of irrational and aggressive behaviour with at times fatal consequences," he said.

"Removing this drug from the community is preventing further serious harm and saving families the anguish and heartache experienced overseas."

The financial investigation in to the extent of the benefits obtained through the group's criminal activity was continuing, he said.

"This has been a very successful investigation, which is ongoing, and at this stage inquiries would indicate significant income has been generated from the importation and sale of this drug."

"Seizing assets from criminals is a reminder to offenders that crime doesn't pay."

Customs investigations manager Maurice O'Brien said the case should be a deterrent to anyone thinking of trying to import illegal substances.

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